Clay County Sheriff’s Office Arrests Individual In Connection With Stolen Tools From Solar Farm Project

On July 6, 2022 at approximately 6:17 a.m. the Clay County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to a theft at the Solar Farm Project west of Louisville. It was reported that multiple tools were stolen from the jobsite.

On August 10, 2022 a search warrant was obtained and executed at property in Marion County. During the search of the property deputies recovered several items relating to the theft reported on July 6 from the Solar Farm.

As a result of the investigation, Tristan Rankin, 23, of Salem, was arrested and later charged with the offense of Burglary and Theft more than $500 but less than $10,000. Rankin’s bond was later set in Clay County Court in the amount $75,000 (10% to apply) and is currently incarcerated in the Clay County Jail.

The sheriff’s office was assisted by the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office, Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, Marion County Sheriff’s Office and the Clay County State’s Attorney Phillip Givens in this investigation. The charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.